Red Oak
Quercus rubra · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1220 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable (resistant to wear, but susceptible to rot and insect attack in exterior applications)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a prominent cathedral pattern from flat-sawn milling visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Warm reddish-brown heartwood with lighter, pale brown to pinkish sapwood; moderate natural luster that darkens slightly over time with exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
1220 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable (resistant to wear, but susceptible to rot and insect attack in exterior applications)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated under 5 years old based on clean edges and minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (abundant and widely available, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists)
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, and general construction
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though open pores require good pore filling for smooth finishes; glues, nails, and screws well
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based or oil-based finishes both perform nicely with proper sanding
Notable Features
Open, porous end-grain structure with large visible pores characteristic of red oak; high porosity means it is not naturally water-tight
